EU Approves 21st Russia Sanctions Package After Greece Drops Veto Over LNG Concession

EU ambassadors agreed on the 21st sanctions round against Russia on July 23, 2026, after Greece lifted its veto. The EU granted Athens a concession on liquefied natural gas imports to unlock the deal. Talks were described as "heated" the prior day. The package adds 32 Russian banks, targets crypto and oil-trading platforms, and, for the first time, sanctions vessels assisting Russia's shadow fleet.